Supervision of the Wachau nature reserve

[Translate to English:] SchülerInnen helfen bei Pflegeeinsatz in Dürnstein © BRG Krems
[Translate to English:] SchülerInnen helfen bei Pflegeeinsatz in Dürnstein © BRG Krems
[Translate to English:] Bei der Schulaktion wurde sogar eine seltene Sägeschrecke "Saga pedo" gefunden © BRG Krems
[Translate to English:] Bei der Schulaktion wurde sogar eine seltene Sägeschrecke "Saga pedo" gefunden © BRG Krems
[Translate to English:] Ein Grund für die Pflegemaßnahmen ist das Echte Federgras "Stipa pennata" © Seehofer
[Translate to English:] Ein Grund für die Pflegemaßnahmen ist das Echte Federgras "Stipa pennata" © Seehofer

The Wachau is a section of the Danube valley that is unique anywhere in Austria and home to a many rare animal and plant species. All supervised areas lie within the European Nature Reserve Wachau. The preservation of this unique biodiversity is heavily dependent upon the maintenance of the areas. The dry grassland areas have to be mown annually or at least every two years, otherwise excessive growth of shrubs will occur.

In 2018 and 2019, a total of 9 dry grassland and meadow areas covering 20 hectares were maintained; this included several natural monuments. Furthermore, invasive species such as robinia and tree-of-heaven were controlled in 5 zones using girdling and uprooting. All maintenance measures were accompanied by the expert knowledge of regional nature reserve supervisor Hannes Seehofer.

A further crucial aspect, alongside maintaining areas that were valuable in terms of nature conservation, was awareness-raising. Consequently, maintenance campaigns were also carried out with school classes. The pupils helped with the maintenance while simultaneously learning how sensitive the dry grassland areas are. Excursions for students and decision-makers also took place, with information being provided on the maintenance measures and the background situations. On-site supervision of the nature reserve is carried out in coordination with eNu (the Energy and Environment Agency of Lower Austria) and the Nature Conservation department.

 

Project promoter: Welterbegeimeinden Wachau (World Heritage Municipalities Wachau)
Funding level: 100%
Duration: 30.4.2018-30.6.2020
With the support of the federal province and the European Union.